The Fifth Commandment

Good morning, Church!

I want to start with a little story today. A young boy was struggling with his math homework and asked his father for help. "Dad, can you help me solve this problem?" The father looked at the problem and then at his son, "Son, I'd love to help, but remember the fifth commandment, 'Honor your father and your mother.' It's been many years since I solved these kinds of problems. I think your mother will be a much better help with this."

Now, that's a humorous take on our topic today. But we will be diving deeper into the meaning of the fifth commandment, as stated in Exodus 20:12, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

In our society, we sometimes confuse honor with agreement or obedience. But in biblical terms, to honor someone means to value them highly or respect them greatly. It involves recognizing their worth and affirming them for it. We can disagree with our parents and still honor them.

Jesus provides an example of this in the Bible. In Mark 3:31-35, Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived while he was teaching. They were standing outside, wanting to speak to him. But when Jesus was told, he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" He then looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Here, Jesus was not dishonoring his mother or brothers. Instead, he was underlining that spiritual relationship and obedience to God should take precedence. Jesus’ mission and obedience to God were his highest priorities, but this did not diminish his respect for his earthly family.

There's a great quote from Billy Graham on this. He once said, "A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his parents will not have true respect for anyone." We see this truth echoed in the Bible, in Proverbs 1:8-9, "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck."

Honoring your parents does not stop once you become an adult or when they have passed away. Honoring our parents has no expiration date. It’s a lifetime commitment. In Matthew 15:4-6, Jesus rebukes the people who neglected their elderly parents, explaining that they were violating God’s command.

Let's pray: "Lord, we ask that you teach us to truly honor our parents. May we respect them, value them, care for them and love them as You have loved us. Guide our hearts and minds to understand the full meaning of your commandment. In Jesus' name, Amen."

In conclusion, honoring our parents is a divine mandate, but it's also a divine blessing. This commandment is the first that carries a promise: "...so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." As we honor our parents, we honor God. And in honoring God, we find blessings, peace, and longevity.

May we learn to honor not only with words but with our actions. Let's give our parents the respect, love, and kindness they deserve. And in doing so, we honor God, our heavenly Father.

God bless you all!